FOCUS ON ...APPRENTICESHIPS - GOOD FOR YOUR BUSINESS

We are all aware that the last 18 months have been tough for many Nottinghamshire businesses. However, latest forecasts from the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) remain optimistic; suggesting that both the manufacturing and service sectors are likely to return to positive annual growth in 2010, with the pace of growth strengthening in 2011.

BCC's findings also show that many companies risk losing their skills base but many Nottinghamshire employers are actively taking steps to reposition themselves for an economic upturn and are working with the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) to create an environment where both businesses and individuals can realise their full potential through the training and employment of apprentices.

Many employers are pursuing the Apprenticeship option as they find themselves facing:

• an increasingly mature workforce and difficulty in finding skilled people
• the need to inject creativity, enthusiasm, new ideas and energy
• ways to develop the skills of the existing workforce in ever more competitive environments
• stretching training budgets further as more flexible working practices are introduced.

If you recognise any of these characteristics in your business, then NAS may be able to help. NAS is ideally placed to offer impartial, expert advice on everything to do with Apprenticeships and, if you recruit a 16-18 year old apprentice, the training costs will be fully covered by the government.

Currently, there are over 4700 young people in Nottinghamshire who have registered an interest in being employed as an apprentice so there has never been a better time to consider employing apprentices in the context of your business growth and skills development.

To find out about the benefits to your business please call the NAS team on 08000 150 600 or email andrew.barlow@apprenticeships.gov.uk

For more information visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

EDUCATION VIEW ... YOUNG APPRENTICESHIP CELEBRATION

Over 200 learners, parents, training providers and employers attended the Young Apprenticeship Graduation event at the Council House in Nottingham on 5th July.

Students who have completed the latest cohort of Young Apprenticeships (a nationally recognised level 2 qualification) in Motor Vehicle, Health & Social Care, Hairdressing, Construction, Engineering and Sports Management & Leadership were presented with their certificates by the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Brian Grocock.

Throughout the two year programme each learner followed a structured timetable of study with local employers, training providers and colleges, whilst also undertaking 50 days work experience, agreed through Education Business Futures.

Sarah Fury, Young Apprenticeship manager at EBF, said: "Young Apprenticeships offer students the chance to understand more about the world of work whilst working towards a qualification. This event was a chance to reward the young apprentices and recognise all those who have contributed to the success of the programme."

EBF will be delivering co-hort 7 Young Apprenticeships in Hospitality & Catering, Motor Vehicle, Engineering, Construction and Business Administration for 2010-2012.

To find out more about Young Apprenticeships please visit our website or speak to the team on 01623 404345.

EMPLOYER VIEW ... LEARNERS INSPIRED BY BOOTS

100 students, 50 from schools, colleges and universities across Nottinghamshire spent a week at the Boots support office getting inspired about work.

The Nottingham-based health and beauty retailer put the students through their paces in an effort to bridge the gap between young people's expectations of work and what business expects from them.

The students met key Boots executives, spending one-to-one time with them as well as seeing how departments including IT, supply chain, marketing and finance work. They were tasked with a 'Dragon's Den' activity, presenting new products to a panel of judges, and also worked on other business challenges throughout the week.

Alex Gourlay, chief executive, health and beauty for Alliance Boots said: "This experience will encourage the students to articulate their talents and interests as well as allowing them to discover the breadth of job roles within our organisation."

Education Business Futures are delighted to have supported Boots in developing the week long programme. EBF provided an on-line application form which made the process of applying for placements more efficient for Boots, schools and the students.

Finally, EBF would encourage other organisations and businesses to support the work experience programme, inspiring young people about the world of work. Contact the business engagement team to find out more by emailing business@futuresnn.co.uk

NEW HOME FOR EDUCATION BUSINESS FUTURES

With thoughts turning towards summer holidays the EBF team are busy packing and it's not just our suitcases!

After 8 years of being based at Mansfield Business Centre we are moving to a new home just outside Nottingham city centre.

From Thursday, 29th July, the address and contact details for Education Business Futures will be:

Education Business Futures
2A Sherwood Rise
Nottingham
NG7 6JN

Tel: 0115 9601540

Fax: 0115 9601599

Email: ebf.admin@futuresnn.co.uk

Please note, our telephone and fax numbers are also changing, so please amend your records accordingly.

Thank-you,

The EBF Team